Hidden Wonders | Tonogayato Gardens: Hillside Beauty in the Heart of Kokubunji | JAPAN Forward

Hidden Wonders of Tonogayato Gardens

Tonogayato Gardens is a tranquil hillside retreat blending Meiji-era elegance with seasonal natural beauty. Located just a short train ride from central Tokyo, this hidden green refuge lies in the Kokubunji suburb.

Natural Setting and Features

The garden artfully uses the Musashino Plateau's terrain, creating layered lawns, woods, and water features. In autumn, it bursts into vivid colors, earning its status as an official Place of Scenic Beauty. Despite being only a two-minute walk from Kokubunji Station, Tonogayato Gardens remains relatively unknown, offering visitors peaceful paths and scenic views often enjoyed in solitude.

Historical Background

The garden’s history dates back to 1913–1915 when it was designed as part of a private villa for Eguchi Teijo, a railway executive. In 1929, Koyata Iwasaki, from the Mitsubishi founding family, acquired and enhanced the grounds into a circular strolling garden, adding the Koyo-tei tea house by 1934. The estate served as a lush city retreat for the Iwasaki family until the 1970s when urban redevelopment threatened its existence.

"Tonogayato Gardens offers an immersion in Japanese garden artistry and a sense of history, hidden in plain sight on Tokyo's western edge."

Author’s summary: Tonogayato Gardens blends historical charm and natural beauty, providing a peaceful escape near Tokyo that remains a hidden gem for visitors seeking quiet and scenic landscapes.

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JAPAN Forward JAPAN Forward — 2025-11-08

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